Veronica 'Giles Van Hees' is a compact early blooming speedwell known for its dense spikes of vibrant pink flowers that rise above low mounds of clean green foliage. It forms tidy mats that spread gradually making it excellent for edging, rock gardens, or filling small sunny spaces with long seasonal color.
Height & Spread: 10 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained soil, tolerates poor to average fertility
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil but is drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Unpalatable to deer and rabbits due to bitter sap and texture
Native Status
This cultivar originates from hybrid selections of Veronica species native to Europe and western Asia. It is not native to North America but is widely adapted in ornamental gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Heavily visited by honeybees and small native bees especially sweat bees and mining bees for both pollen and nectar.
Butterflies
- Supports nectar feeding for Painted Ladies and Pearl Crescent butterflies during peak bloom.
Beneficial Insects
- Draws hoverflies and parasitic wasps that aid in aphid control and overall garden health.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 12 - 18 in apart for a continuous mat of foliage and uninterrupted flower spires.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for sunny front borders, rock gardens, and perennial edging. Pairs well with silver foliage and compact bloomers for seasonal layering.
Companion Plants
- Artemisia schmidtiana 'Silver Mound' - Silky silver foliage provides visual relief and a textural foil to the upright spikes.
- Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' - Low growing fragrant pinks complement Veronica’s tidy form and early blooms.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Soft yellow blooms offer contrast and fine texture at the same height level.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep purple spikes highlight the pink hues and attract similar pollinators.
- Allium senescens glaucum - Curving blue green foliage and purple summer blooms fill in after Veronica fades.